Romaine Strawberry Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad combining crisp romaine lettuce, sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings, this salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, topped with a tangy poppy seed dressing for added zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the strawberries into fourths, or sixths if large.
- Add the strawberries and dried cranberries to the lettuce.
- Toss the ingredients together or layer them in a dish.
- Just before serving, add the toasted pecans, candied almonds, or Almond Accents.
- Top the salad with poppy seed dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or mint alongside the strawberries. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds are great substitutes. For a lighter dressing, try a simple vinaigrette instead of poppy seed dressing. Make sure to wash and dry the romaine thoroughly to avoid sogginess in the salad. This salad can also be made with other berries for variety.
Serving Suggestions
This Romaine Strawberry Salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or as part of a summer picnic. It pairs beautifully with Mary Imus' Favorite Cake for dessert. You can also serve it with a light protein, such as grilled chicken or salmon, to make it a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the lettuce from wilting, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. The strawberries may lose their freshness, so consume the salad quickly for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Romaine Strawberry Salad contains roughly 618 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the romaine and strawberries in advance, but it's best to assemble the salad just before serving. Keeping the dressing separate until serving helps maintain the freshness and crunch of the ingredients.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
If you don't have dried cranberries, you can substitute them with raisins, dried cherries, or even fresh blueberries for a different flavor profile. Each option will add its unique sweetness to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based dressing instead of poppy seed dressing. Additionally, ensure that any nuts or seeds used are free from animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).